I've had nothing BUT 3rd party ink (Triangle MLD) in my printer. In the nearly 3 years that I've had it, not a single ink-related issue. At the time I got my machine, the original Roland ink sucked-@$$ and was far inferior to the newer Max ink. It was easy to rub off, the color gamut wasn't as good, and of course more expensive. If the Max ink had been out then, I may not have chosen a 3rd party ink because it is a far-sight better than the original Roland ink. However, the ink has proven to be very good in all aspects so I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. In a bulk setup, you can realize approx. 60% savings over OEM. So, say what you will, but I can tell you that my experience has been nothing but positive with the one and only ink I've tried.